South African batter Tony de Zorzi jokingly teased his national teammate Nandre Burger following the latter's successful bid in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction held in Dubai on December 19. Burger was acquired by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at his base price of INR 50 lakhs during the accelerated auction round.
According to De Zorzi, it was the support of Burger's teammates that played a role in the fast bowler securing a deal in the lucrative T20I league.
"He needs to use that money on the team, because we helped him get there. I am also his room-mate on tour, so I am expecting something," de Zorzi was quoted as saying.
Burger showcased an impressive performance in South Africa's eight-wicket win against India on December 19 at St George's Park, Gqeberha. The left-arm fast bowler finished with figures of 10-0-30-3 as the Proteas bowled out India for 211 in 46.2 overs after electing to bowl first.
The 28-year-old secured early wickets by dismissing Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma. In his second spell, he returned to dismiss captain KL Rahul, who scored 56 runs off 64 balls with seven fours.
De Zorzi accumulated 119 runs off 122 balls, including nine fours and six sixes. Thanks to his outstanding innings, South Africa successfully chased down the target with 7.3 overs to spare. De Zorzi was also awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ for his remarkable performance.
Apart from this, Reeza Hendricks reached his fifty, scoring 52 runs, before being dismissed by Arshdeep Singh in the 28th over.
With this win, the Proteas levelled the three-match series and staged a comeback after their comprehensive defeat in the first ODI at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
The third ODI match between India and South Africa is scheduled to take place at Boland Park in Paarl on December 21.
South Africa ODI squad: Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Mihlali Mpongwana, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne and Lizaad Williams.
(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)
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